Operations (Travel Specialist)

SUMMARY:
Managing the reservations process including handling of bookings from Confirmed to finalizing.

POSITION INFO:

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Constant, consistent interaction and clear communication with colleagues, agents, operators guests and suppliers, telephonically and via email.

• Managing the reservations process including handling of bookings from Confirmed to finalising, including invoicing and travel documents

• Ensuring turnaround times are strictly adhered to according to standard operating practices

• Saturday duty on a rotation basis

• Public Holiday duty on a rotation basis

• Backup for colleagues when they are away from the office

• Expanding product knowledge through attending training sessions

• Upholding the values of &Beyond; Care of the people, Care of land and Care of the wildlife

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• A good knowledge on any of the destinations that &Beyond promote within South, Southern and East Africa

• An in-depth geographical, logistical and product knowledge of two of the following regions: South, Southern and East Africa

• Good understanding of delivering excellent service to Travel Planner/guests

• An in-depth knowledge of Tourplan or a similar booking system

• A willingness and aptitude to learn

• Good organisational ability

• Lateral thinking ability

• Initiative

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Communication skills and fluent in written and spoken English

• Organisational skills which include time management and prioritising of tasks which will require a person who likes dealing with detail

• Computer literate with experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

• Web reporting portal

• Understanding of travel industry through study or work experience

• Market knowledge and how it operates

• Attention to detail extremely vital

• Working in an orderly manner to ensure that files can be continued by other Consultants when necessary

• Working knowledge of Tourplan and WETU

• Understanding of quantitative and qualitative data

• Relevant understanding of the Business to create strategy and making commercial decisions

• Sales process and methodologies

• Sales and Brand representation

• Guest/Client delight

• Teamwork and interpersonal skills

• Conflict management and resolution

• Paperless filing and Database filing and management

• Good organisational ability

• Initiative

• High energy levels needed

• Must be able to ADD VALUE

• Able to travel; flexibility in terms of working hours

• Self-driven; very responsible but fun; passionate about &Beyond

• Proactive, have a sense of urgency and be able to act quickly to resolve problems

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Good interpersonal skills

• Sense of urgency

• Passionate about guest delight

• Diligence and self-motivation to meet deadlines and keep on top of your job

• Willingness/ability to share information and teach and inspire others

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Must have at least 3 or more years tour operating experience

• Tourplan experience is an advantage

• Wetu experience is an advantage